The First Features Project — a visionary initiative by Native Filmworks and Michelangelo Productions continues to make waves in the African film industry, earning four nominations at the Africa Movie Academy Awards (AMAA) 2025. The nominations were announced on their social media, where filmmakers, actors, and industry leaders eagerly waited to celebrate the best of African cinema. The announcement sparked excitement across the First Features community, marking yet another milestone in our journey.
This remarkable achievement celebrates a new generation of filmmakers who have emerged through the project’s mentorship-driven framework, redefining what authentic African storytelling can look like on a global scale.
Best Young/Promising Actor — Kosi Ogboruche (Kill Boro)
Achievement in Costume Design — Talatu Yelji (The Lost Days)
Best Debut Feature Film by a Director — Wingonia Ikpi (The Lost Days)
Best Debut Feature Film by a Director — Courage Obayuwana (Kill Boro)
Two standout titles from the slate — Kill Boro and The Lost Days — continue to capture audiences with their emotionally charged storytelling and distinct visual styles. Kill Boro, directed by Courage Obayuwana, delves into the complex bond between a father and son in the Portharcourt, Nigeria (Niger Delta region), exploring themes of redemption, generational struggle, and hope.
The Lost Days, from director Wingonia Ikpi, offers a deeply personal story of self-discovery and healing, told through a female perspective that has struck a powerful chord with viewers and critics alike.
In a chat with Steve Gukas, Executive Producer and Co-Founder of First Features, he described the nominations as a validation of years of vision and dedication:
“This recognition is not just for the films — it’s for the collective dream that birthed them. From the onset, the First Features Project was designed to bridge opportunity and excellence, giving Africa’s next generation of storytellers the platform to shine.”
Dotun Olakunri, Executive Producer and Co-Founder of First Features, added:
“The power of the First Features Project lies in collaboration — between mentors, directors, and every creative hand involved. Seeing two debut filmmakers recognised on this level is deeply fulfilling. It shows that structured mentorship and access can truly transform an industry.”
Reflecting on the milestone, Dakol Masiyer, Media, Content & Partner Relations Manager for the project, shared:
“This moment is the culmination of years of work — the training, the rewrites, the long nights, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. As we prepare for principal photography on the twelfth and final title in the slate, this recognition couldn’t have come at a better time.”
Now with 9 films completed and streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, two currently in post-production, and one heading into principal photography, the First Features Project stands as a bold testament to the power of mentorship and creative vision — nurturing a generation of storytellers poised to define the next era of African cinema.
As the countdown to the AMAA 2025 ceremony begins, the excitement within the First Features family is palpable. Each nomination is not only a recognition of creative achievement but also a symbol of the collaborative spirit that drives the project forward.
“The future of African cinema is already here — and it’s being shaped by the storytellers of the First Features Project.”
